JP2005095272A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To arouse a player's expectation to a stationary symbol mode in each of special symbol games to be executed a plurality of times. <P>SOLUTION: A CPU (central processing unit) of a display control board, when determining that the number of retained and stored special symbol games is plural (step S253; Yes) and determining to execute a retention preview by a predetermined retention change display (step S259; Yes), changes display modes of a plurality of retention displays (step S263). In this case, when a variable display result in the special symbol game to be executed when finishing the retention preview is a big win, a specific retention display combination out of a plurality of types of predetermined retention display combinations is shown at a rate higher than a case where the variable display result is a failure. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine, and more specifically, based on the fact that a variable display start condition is satisfied after a variable display execution condition is satisfied, a plurality of types of identification information that can be individually identified The present invention relates to a gaming machine that includes a variable display device that variably displays and controls a specific gaming state advantageous to a player when a display result of identification information becomes a predetermined specific display result.

  In gaming machines such as pachinko machines, variable display is performed by updating or scrolling predetermined identification information (hereinafter referred to as display symbols) on a display device such as a liquid crystal display (hereinafter referred to as LCD). There are a number of games that are enhanced by a so-called variable display game that determines whether to give a predetermined game value based on the display result.

  Among variable display games, there is mainly a game that is performed by using the above-described display device as an image display device (hereinafter referred to as a special game). In the special game, when the game ball passing through the predetermined area is detected, the display symbol is variably displayed, and when the variable display of the display symbol is completely stopped, the stop symbol mode is a specific display mode. It is a game with a “big hit”. When a “big hit” is made in a special game, a special electric combination called a big prize opening or an attacker is opened, and a state in which a game ball can be won very easily is provided to a player for a certain period of time. Such a state is referred to as a “specific game state” or a “hit game state”.

In order to notify the player that the stop symbol form will be the specific display form in such a special figure game, the display indicating the special figure game that is stored on hold is displayed in a different display state (shape or color). A gaming machine has been proposed (for example, Patent Document 1).
In addition, the display mode in the notice display is changed depending on whether the stop symbol mode becomes the specific display mode in the special symbol game executed this time or the stop symbol mode becomes the specific display mode in the special symbol game that is stored on hold. There has been proposed a gaming machine that displays an advance notice that a big hit gaming state is generated (for example, Patent Document 2).
JP-A-8-243224 (for example, pages 13-15, FIGS. 48-50, etc.) JP-A-7-68027 (for example, page 4-7, FIG. 3-7, etc.)

  In the gaming machine disclosed in Patent Document 1, the player can easily recognize that the stop symbol form becomes the specific display form in the special figure game corresponding to the display device displayed in different display states. . For this reason, there is a problem that the player loses his interest in the stop symbol mode in the special game corresponding to the reserved memory whose display mode has not changed.

  Further, in the gaming machine disclosed in Patent Document 2, the stop symbol form becomes the specific display mode in the special figure game executed this time, or the stop symbol form becomes the specific display mode in the special figure game that is stored on hold. It can be easily recognized by the player. For this reason, even with the gaming machine disclosed in Patent Document 2, when the player recognizes that the stop symbol form becomes the specific display form in a special game that is stored on hold, for example, it is executed this time. If you lose interest in the stop symbol mode in the special symbol game, or if you recognize that the stop symbol mode will be the specific display mode in the special symbol game that will be executed this time, There was a problem such as losing interest in the stop symbol mode.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described situation, and in which special symbol game a stop symbol mode is notified in advance while a stop symbol mode is a specific display mode in any of the special symbol games executed a plurality of times. It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine capable of increasing the expectation for the stop symbol mode in each special figure game by performing a notice display that is difficult for the player to recognize whether the specific display mode is set. To do.

  In order to achieve the above object, the gaming machine according to claim 1 of the present application satisfies the variable display execution condition (for example, it was determined to be Yes in step S100 by winning the normal variable winning ball apparatus 6). A plurality of types of identification information (for example, special symbols) each of which can be identified based on the fact that the variable display start conditions (for example, the previous variable display and the big hit gaming state in the variable display device 4 have been completed) are established later. A variable display device (for example, the variable display device 4) that variably displays is provided, and the display result of the identification information is a predetermined specific display result (for example, a jackpot combination of symbols shown in FIGS. 14E and 15D). , A game that controls to a specific gaming state (for example, a big hit gaming state) that is advantageous to the player when the display symbols are the same symbol or a display result that is a combination of predetermined symbols) (For example, a pachinko gaming machine 1), the execution of variable display in which the variable display start condition is not satisfied even if the variable display execution condition is satisfied, is stored in a predetermined upper limit value (for example, “4 ”) And the storage number of the variable display stored by the holding storage means (for example, FIG. 14A). And a variable of the variable display control means (for example, the part in which the CPU 112 executes the process of step S129 or the hold notice setting process shown in FIGS. 10 and 11). When the display start condition is satisfied, the variable display in which the variable display start condition is satisfied, and the variable table held and stored by the hold storage means Is a pre-determining means for determining whether or not the display result of the identification information is the specific display result (for example, the part in which the CPU 103 executes the on-hold hold storage determination process shown in FIG. 7) When the variable display start condition is satisfied, there is a plurality of variable display storage numbers that are stored in the hold storage means and that have not yet satisfied the variable display start condition. And a determination that the number of variable displays is plural by the storage number determination means (eg, Yes in step S253). When the determination is made, the display mode of the hold display is changed from a predetermined display mode to a specific display mode (for example, the display mode of the hold display shown in FIG. 14D). Change display determination means (for example, a portion where the CPU 112 executes the process of step S259) that determines whether or not to execute the hold change display to be changed, and the hold display control means includes a plurality of hold display display modes. A plurality of types of data indicating combination patterns (for example, combination patterns of “handgun” + “writer”, “bomb” + “bullet”, “handgun” + “bullet”, “bomb” + “writer”, etc.) When the hold combination pattern storage means (for example, ROM 113, CGROM 116, etc.) and the change display determination means make a determination to execute the hold change display (Yes determination in step S259), the prior determination means Data indicating a plurality of types of combination patterns stored in the holding combination pattern storage means based on the determination result Depending on the data indicating the combination pattern selected by the hold display pattern selection means as the hold display pattern selection means (for example, the part where the CPU 112 executes the process of step S262) and the hold change display. Holding change display executing means for changing the display mode of the hold display (for example, a part where the CPU 112 executes the process of step S263), and the hold display pattern selecting means is configured to display the specific display result by the prior determination means. When it is determined that there is a variable display (Yes in step S204 or S208), the prior determination unit determines that there is no variable display as the specific display result (Yes in step S210). A higher rate compared to when the decision was made (for example, A combination pattern of a specific holding display (for example, “handgun” + “bullet” or “bomb” + “writer”) among the plurality of types of holding display combination patterns at a ratio according to the selection probability shown in FIG. Combination pattern).

  In the gaming machine according to claim 2, the specific display result is determined by the prior determination unit after the change display determination unit determines that the hold change display is to be executed (Yes determination in step S259). Whether or not to execute the hold change display in the period until the execution of the variable display for which the determination is made is completed (the period in which it is determined Yes in step S252 until the process in step S295 is performed) Does not determine whether or not.

  In the gaming machine according to claim 3, the hold display control means displays the hold change display when the specific display result is derived and displayed after the hold change display is executed by the hold change display executing means. Display mode return means for returning the display mode of the plurality of hold displays that have been changed to the specific display mode to the predetermined display mode when the hold change display is not executed (for example, the part where the CPU 112 executes the process of step S294) Etc.).

  In the gaming machine according to claim 4, when the pre-determination unit determines that the number of storages of variable display is plural (determination of Yes in step S <b> 253) by the storage number determination unit. In addition, it is determined whether or not there is a variable display in which the display result of the identification information becomes the specific display result.

In the gaming machine according to claim 5, the change display determination unit determines that the probability of the specific display result is a high probability state higher than that in the normal gaming state (determined Yes in step S251). In the period of time), it is not determined whether or not to execute the hold change display (for example, the determination in step S259 is not performed in the hold notice setting process).
It should be noted that the high probability state may be controlled after the specific gaming state is ended, or the high probability state may be immediately controlled based on the specific display result being a predetermined special display result. Furthermore, it may be controlled to a high probability state regardless of whether the display result of the identification information is a specific display result or a special display result.

In the gaming machine according to claim 6, the hold display control means performs the hold change when the variable display start condition is satisfied after the hold change display is executed by the hold change display executing means. Combination pattern changing means for further changing a combination pattern of a plurality of hold displays that have been changed to a specific display form in the display (for example, the VDP 115 switches the display form of the hold display in the variable display device 4 in accordance with the processing of step S272 by the CPU 112 Or the like, and the data indicating the combination pattern of the hold display to be changed and displayed by the combination pattern changing means, and one of the data indicating the combination patterns stored in the hold combination pattern storage means is selected. Change pattern selection means (for example, the CPU 112 performs step S2) It includes a portion, etc.) and to select a combination of hold display at 2.
Note that the change pattern selection unit is configured to display the combination pattern of the currently displayed hold display (for example, FIG. 15B when the prior determination unit determines that there is a variable display as the specific display result. (A combination pattern of “handgun” + “bullet” shown in FIG. 15) at a higher rate than the combination patterns of the plurality of types of hold display (for example, as shown in FIG. 15C). A combination pattern of “bomb” + “writer” may be selected.

  8. The gaming machine according to claim 7, comprising game control means (for example, a ROM 101, a RAM 102, a CPU 103, etc. mounted on the main board 11) for controlling the progress of the game, including the prior determination means, and the hold display control. Effect control means (for example, CPU 112, ROM 113, RAM 114 mounted on the display control board 12) that controls the effect means for executing the game effect based on the control signal from the game control means. VDP115, etc., and the game control means transmits a control signal for controlling the effect by the effect means according to the result of the determination by the prior determination means (for example, the CPU 103 in step S17). A portion for executing command control processing, etc.), and the effect control means includes the game control means Signal receiving means for receiving a received control signal (for example, a portion where the CPU 112 executes command reception processing shown in FIG. 8 or the like), and the signal transmitting means is a variable that becomes the specific display result by the prior determination means. It has a function of transmitting a hold determination control signal (for example, a start special map storage information command) for specifying a result of determination of whether or not there is a display, and the change display determination means is received by the signal reception means Based on the held hold determination control signal, it is determined whether or not to execute the hold change display (for example, determination in step S259 based on the setting in step S257), and the hold display pattern selection unit is configured to determine the change display determination. When the determination to execute the hold change display is made by the means (Yes determination in step S259), the signal To select one of data indicating a plurality of types of combination patterns that are stored in the pending combination pattern storing means based on the received pending control signals by the receiving means.

  In the gaming machine according to claim 8, when the change display determination means determines that the hold change display is not executed, or the storage number determination means has a plurality of variable display storage numbers. A pre-change display determination means (for example, a portion where the CPU 112 executes the process of step S275) that determines whether or not to change the display mode of at least one hold display when it is determined that there is not, The hold display control unit changes the display mode of at least one hold display when the prior change display determination unit determines that the display mode of the hold display is to be changed (Yes determination in step S275). Including a pre-hold display change means (for example, a portion where the CPU 112 executes the process of step S276), and the hold display pattern The selection means is such that after the display mode of at least one hold display is changed by the advance hold display change means, the variable display execution condition is satisfied, and the change display determination means executes the hold change display. When the determination is made (Yes determination in step S259), the combination pattern of the hold display is selected based on the display mode of the hold display changed by the advance hold display changing unit.

  The present invention has the following effects.

According to the gaming machine having the configuration described in claim 1, the hold change display executing unit displays a plurality of hold display display modes for displaying the number of variable displays stored and held by the hold storage unit. The selection means changes the data according to the data indicating the combination pattern selected from the data indicating the combination patterns of plural types of hold display. The hold display pattern selection unit compares the determination with the prior determination unit that there is a variable display that is the specific display result and the determination that there is no variable display that is the specific display result. At a high rate, select a specific combination of pending display patterns.
According to the display mode of the hold display thus changed, the player can not only display the variable display of the hold storage in which the display condition of the hold display or the variable display in which the start condition is satisfied, but also all the variables stored in the hold storage. It can be predicted to some extent that the display result of the identification information becomes the specific display result by any variable display including the display. However, it is difficult for the player to recognize which variable display gives the specific display result. By executing such a hold change display, the player's expectation for the display result in each variable display is enhanced. In addition, since the hold change display is executed when there are a plurality of variable display storage numbers stored on hold, a player who wants to see the hold change display stops the operation of the hitting operation handle of the gaming machine (so-called , “Stop”), and a reduction in the operating rate of the gaming machine can be prevented.

In the gaming machine according to claim 2, the execution of the variable display in which it is determined that the specific display result is obtained by the prior determination unit after the determination that the change display determination unit executes the hold change display is completed. It is not determined whether or not to execute the hold change display during the period until the operation is performed.
As a result, it is possible to prevent the pending change display from being performed repeatedly, and to reduce the processing burden.

In the gaming machine according to claim 3, when the specific display result is derived and displayed after the hold change display is executed by the hold change display executing means, the hold is changed to a specific display mode in the hold change display. The display mode is returned to the predetermined display mode when the hold change display is not executed by the display mode return means.
For this reason, it is possible to prevent the hold change display from being executed continuously even after the specific display result is derived and displayed, and once the specific display result has been obtained, the extra expectation as if the specific display result is to be obtained. It is possible to prevent inconvenience that causes the player to have a feeling.

In the gaming machine according to the fourth aspect, the determination by the prior determination unit is performed when the storage number determination unit determines that there are a plurality of variable display storage numbers.
As a result, it is possible to prevent the determination by the prior determination unit from being performed wastefully when the hold change display is not performed, so that the control burden can be reduced.

In the gaming machine according to claim 5, it is not determined whether or not to execute the hold change display during the period in which the high probability state is controlled.
Thereby, the control burden when the player's expectation is enhanced by being controlled to a high probability state can be reduced.

In the gaming machine according to claim 6, the combination pattern changing unit further changes the combination pattern of the plurality of hold displays changed to the specific display mode in the hold change display started to be executed by the hold change display executing unit. .
Thereby, the hold change display which heightened the player's expectation with respect to the display mode of the hold display is enabled. In addition, even when a hold change display with a low expectation level is once performed, it is possible to prevent the player's expectation from being lowered.

In the gaming machine according to claim 7, the game control means that is the main-side control means includes a prior determination means and a signal transmission means, and the presentation control means that is the sub-side control means includes the hold display control means and Change display determination means and signal reception means are included.
Thereby, since the control for performing the hold change display can be shared between the game control means and the effect control means, it is possible to prevent an increase in the control burden on the game control means.

In the gaming machine according to claim 8, when it is determined that the change display determination means does not execute the hold change display, or the storage number determination means indicates that the number of variable displays is not plural. When the determination is made by the advance change display determination means to change the display mode of at least one hold display, the advance hold display change means changes the display mode of at least one hold display, Based on the display mode of the hold display changed by the prior hold display change means when it is determined that the change display determination means executes the hold change display based on the fact that the variable display execution condition is subsequently established. The combination pattern of the hold display for performing the hold change display is selected by the hold display pattern selection means.
Thereby, a player's sense of expectation can be improved by changing the display mode of the hold display by the hold change display step by step. Moreover, since it is possible to prevent the display mode of a plurality of hold displays from being changed suddenly and start the hold change display, it is possible to alleviate a sense of discomfort when the display mode of the hold display changes.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The gaming machine in the present embodiment is a gaming machine that performs a special game with a display device such as an LCD, etc., such as a card reader (CR: Card Reader) type first pachinko gaming machine that lends a ball with a prepaid card. It is. Further, the present invention is applicable not only to a CR-type pachinko gaming machine that lends a ball using a prepaid card, but also to a pachinko gaming machine that lends a ball using cash. That is, as long as it is a gaming machine capable of variably displaying a display symbol as identification information, it may have any form.

  FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, and shows an arrangement layout of main members. The pachinko gaming machine (gaming machine) 1 is roughly divided into a gaming board (gauge board) 2 that constitutes a gaming board surface, and a gaming machine frame (base frame) 3 that supports and fixes the gaming board 2. The game board 2 is formed with a substantially circular game area surrounded by guide rails. A variable display device 4 that variably displays a special symbol as identification information that can be individually identified is provided at a substantially central position of the game area.

  The variable display device 4 is composed of, for example, an LCD or the like, and is composed of numbers, characters, patterns, etc. in a variable display game (special game) in which a game ball is awarded to the normal variable winning ball device 6 as an execution condition. Special symbols that function as a plurality of types of identification information that can each be identified are displayed variably in a plurality of display areas. In the special symbol game performed by the variable display device 4, after a specific time has elapsed after starting the variable symbol special symbol display, the variable symbol display result of the special symbol in each display area is derived and displayed in a predetermined order, and the fixed symbol ( Stop display (final stop symbol). The pachinko gaming machine 1 enters the specific gaming state (big hit gaming state) when the combination of the fixed symbols (stopped symbol mode) has a predetermined specific display result (big hit). In this big hit gaming state, the opening / closing plate of the special variable winning ball apparatus 7 is opened and opened for a predetermined period (for example, 29 seconds) or a period until a predetermined number (for example, 10) of winning balls are generated. While playing, the game ball that falls on the surface of the game board 2 is received and then closed. The opening cycle can be repeated up to a predetermined upper limit number (for example, 16 times).

  In this embodiment, the variable display device 4 is provided with three variable display areas on the left, middle, and right. In each variable display area, nine types of symbols “0” to “8” are special. It shall be displayed as a symbol so that it can be variably displayed. For example, in each of the left, middle, and right display areas, when the variable display of the special symbol is started during the special symbol game, switching display and scroll display are performed from the smallest number indicated by the symbol to the larger one. When the special symbol “8” is displayed, the special symbol “0” is displayed next.

  In the special game with the variable display device 4, after the special symbol variable display is started, the same special symbol is stopped and displayed as the final display result in the left, middle, and right variable display areas and confirmed. In addition, the pachinko gaming machine 1 is in a big hit gaming state. Here, in this embodiment, odd special symbols “1”, “3”, “5”, “7” are assumed to be probable big hit symbols, and variable display results in left, middle, and right are displayed as variable display results in the special diagram game. When the same probability variation jackpot symbols are all derived and displayed in the display area and determined, the probability variation jackpot as a predetermined special display result is obtained. When the probability variation jackpot is reached, after the jackpot gaming state based on the probability variation jackpot ends, the probability variation control (probability variation control) is performed. In the high probability state in which the probability variation control is performed, the probability that the variable display result in the special game becomes a big hit and is controlled to the big hit gaming state is improved as compared with the normal gaming state. The normal gaming state is a gaming state other than the big hit gaming state or the high probability state, and the probability that the variable display result in the special figure game is a big hit is the same as the initial setting state such as immediately after the power is turned on. It is controlled.

  In this embodiment, even special symbols “0”, “2”, “4”, “6”, “8” are set as normal big hit symbols, and left, middle, right as variable display results in the special game. When the same normal big hit symbols are all derived and displayed in each variable display area, they are usually big hits. When the normal big hit is made, the probability variation control is not performed after the big hit gaming state is ended, so the probability that the variable display result in the special game becomes a big hit and is controlled to the big hit gaming state is not improved. In this embodiment, when the variable display result in the special figure game is a probable big hit, the special figure game is executed a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times) after the big hit gaming state based on the probable big hit is completed. Until the next big hit becomes the normal big hit, it becomes a high probability state in which the probability variation control is continuously performed. It should be noted that, after the big hit game state is ended with the normal big hit, the time reduction state in which the time reduction control (time reduction control) is continuously performed until a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times) the special figure game is executed. You may do it. In the time reduction state where the time reduction control is performed, the probability of being a big hit in each special figure game and being controlled to the big hit gaming state is the same as in the normal gaming state, but the variable symbol display time in the special figure game is the same. Controlled to shorten.

  Further, the display area of the variable display device 4 is provided with a reserved memory number display section. Even if the execution condition is satisfied by winning a game ball in the normal variable winning ball device 6, a predetermined start condition is set. The number of stored special figure games that have not been established and are stored on hold is displayed as a hold display.

  Under the variable display device 4, an ordinary variable winning ball device (start winning port) 6 is disposed. On the lower side of the normal variable winning ball apparatus 6, a special variable winning ball apparatus (large winning opening) 7 and a normal symbol display 40 are arranged. Speakers 8L and 8R for reproducing and outputting sound effects and the like are provided at the upper left and right positions of the gaming machine frame 3, and a game effect lamp 9 is provided in the periphery of the game area. .

  The pachinko gaming machine 1 is mounted with a main board 11 and a display control board 12 as shown in FIG. The main board 11 and the display control board 12 are arranged at appropriate positions on the back surface of the pachinko gaming machine 1, and, for example, eight signal lines of display control signals CD0 to CD7 are wired between the two boards. Further, a signal line for a display control INT signal for transmitting / receiving a strobe signal is also wired between the main board 11 and the display control board 12. In addition, various control boards such as a power supply board, a sound control board, a lamp control board, a payout control board, and an information terminal board are arranged on the back surface of the pachinko gaming machine 1. The main board 11 is also connected to wiring from each winning opening switch 70 for detecting the winning of a game ball to the normal winning prize ball device 6, the special variable winning ball device 7, and other winning holes.

  The main board 11 is a main-side control board on which various circuits for controlling the progress of the game in the pachinko gaming machine 1 are mounted. The main board 11 mainly generates a random number used in a special game, a function of inputting a signal from a switch or the like disposed at a predetermined position, a display control board 12, a voice control board, a lamp control board, a payout control. A function to output and transmit control commands as an example of command information as control signals to sub-side control boards such as boards, a function to output various information to the hall management computer, etc. ing. The control command transmitted from the main board 11 to the display control board 12 is, for example, a display control command transmitted as an electrical signal using the signal lines of the display control signals CD0 to CD7.

  The display control command has, for example, a 2-byte configuration. The first byte indicates MODE (command classification), and the second byte indicates EXT (command type). As this display control command, for example, a variable display start command, a special symbol designation command, a special symbol confirmation command, a winning special symbol storage information command, a starting special symbol storage information command, and the like are prepared in advance.

  The variable display start command is a command for instructing to start the variable display of the special symbol on the variable display device 4. On the display control board 12 side, the variable display start command corresponds to the EXT data included in the variable display start command. The total variable display time of the special symbol, the determination result of whether or not the display result of variable display is a big hit, the determination result of whether or not to reach, etc. can be specified. For example, the variable display start command specifies a variable display pattern for losing that is executed as a variable display of a special symbol when the variable display result in the special figure game is not a big hit (when losing). A display start command and a jackpot variable display start command for specifying a jackpot variable display pattern executed as a variable symbol special display when the display result is a jackpot are included. The special symbol designation command is a command for designating a definite symbol that is a variable symbol display result of the special symbol in each of the left, middle, and right display areas in the variable display device 4. The special symbol confirmation command is a command for instructing the end of variable symbol special display.

  The special figure memory information command at the time of winning is the order in which the execution of the special figure game by the winning is held in the special figure holding memory area of the RAM 102 described later when the game ball wins the normal variable winning ball apparatus 6 (holding) No.), and a command transmitted in response to an increase in the number of special figure games that have been suspended in the special figure storage area (the number of stored memories). The start special figure memory information command is a command for designating the number of special figure games that are suspended in the special figure holding memory area (the number of reserved memories) when the special figure game is started. This is a command transmitted in response to a decrease in the number of reserved memories in the reserved storage area.

  FIG. 3A is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the EXT data of the start special map storage information command. As shown in FIG. 3 (A), the EXT data of the start special map storage information command has the first bit (bit 7) fixed to “0”, and the preliminary determination result data (bit 5 to bit 3) and , Reserved memory number data (bit 2 to bit 0). FIG. 3B is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the preliminary determination result data. Predetermined result data is stored in the special figure hold storage area when the special condition game start condition is satisfied, and the current special figure game executed when the start condition is satisfied and the start condition is not yet satisfied. The result of determining whether or not there is a special display game in which the variable display result is a big hit is shown. Based on this pre-determination result data, on the display control board 12 side, whether there is a big hit in any of the special figure game executed this time or the special figure game stored on hold, and the big hit When there is a game, it is possible to specify the order in which the special figure game that is a big hit is executed. The stored memory number data indicates the stored number of special figure games stored in the special figure storage area, and takes a value in the range of “0” to “4”.

  The main board 11 includes, for example, a game control microcomputer 100, a switch circuit 107, and the like. The game control microcomputer 100 is, for example, a one-chip microcomputer, and is controlled according to a ROM (Read Only Memory) 101 for storing a game control program, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 102 used as a work memory, and the program. A CPU (Central Processing Unit) 103 and an I / O (Input / Output) port 104 are included. The switch circuit 107 takes in the detection signal from each winning opening switch 70 and transmits it to the game control microcomputer 100.

  In the main board 11, various random numbers are counted in order to control the progress of the game. As a specific example, the CPU 103 sets a random number generation operation by a predetermined random number generation circuit mounted on the main board 11 and periodically updates the numerical data according to a predetermined procedure. And numerical data used as a random number for probability variation determination, a random number for determining a definite symbol, a random number for determining a variable display pattern, and the like are controlled to be countable. The big hit determination random number is a random number used to determine whether or not the pachinko gaming machine 1 is put into the big hit gaming state by generating a big hit, and takes a value in the range of “0” to “299”. The random number for probability variation determination is a random number used to determine whether or not a high probability state that improves the probability of winning a big hit is taken, and takes a value in the range of “0” to “8”. The fixed symbol determining random number is a random number for display used for determining the fixed symbol of the special symbol when the variable display result is lost. The random number for variable display pattern determination is a random number for display used for determining a variable display pattern executed as variable display of a special symbol. In addition, in order to improve a game effect, random numbers other than the above may be used.

  In addition to the game control program, the ROM 101 stores various data tables used for controlling the progress of the game. For example, the ROM 101 stores a plurality of determination tables prepared for the CPU 103 to make various determinations. This determination table includes a jackpot determination table for determining whether or not the variable display result of the special figure game by the variable display device 4 is a jackpot.

  The RAM 102 is provided with a special figure holding storage area for holding a special figure game in which the start condition is not satisfied even if the execution condition is satisfied until the number of memories reaches a predetermined upper limit value (for example, “4”). ing. In the special figure holding storage area, in the order of winning to the ordinary variable winning ball apparatus 6, the holding number and the value of the random number for jackpot determination as numerical data extracted by the winning are stored in association with each other. .

  In addition, the RAM 102 is set with a plurality of types of flags that are set or cleared in accordance with the gaming state in the pachinko gaming machine 1 and signals transmitted from the winning port switches 70 via the switch circuit 107. A game control flag setting area, a game control timer setting area for storing data indicating a plurality of types of timer values used for game control of the pachinko gaming machine 1, and the like may be provided. Note that a circuit used for setting a flag or a timer may be configured by a register circuit provided separately from the RAM 102.

  In the game control flag setting area, for example, a special symbol process flag, a big hit flag, a probability change flag, and the like are provided. The special symbol process flag indicates which process should be selected and executed in the special symbol process (FIG. 6) described later. The big hit flag is set to the on state when it is determined that the variable display result in the special figure game is a big hit when the special display game by the variable display device 4 is started. On the other hand, when the big hit gaming state is finished, the big hit flag is cleared and turned off. The probability change flag is set to the on state when it is determined that the variable display result in the special game is a probability change big hit, and is cleared to return to the normal game state from the high probability state.

  The display control board 12 controls the display operation in the variable display device 4 independently of the main board 11. For example, the display control board 12 causes the variable display device 4 to perform switching display of images based on the display control command transmitted from the main board 11, thereby enabling the variable display of special symbols in the special figure game and the big hit gaming state. It is possible to produce various effects such as displaying the number of rounds.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the display control board 12. The display control board 12 includes an oscillation circuit 110, a reset circuit 111, a CPU 112 for display control, a ROM 113, a RAM 114, a VDP (Video Display Processor) 115, a CGROM 116, and a VRAM (Video RAM) 117. ing.

  In the display control board 12, various random numbers are counted in order to control the presentation effect on the variable display device 4. As a specific example, the CPU 112 sets a random number generation operation by a predetermined random number generation circuit mounted on the display control board 12, and periodically updates numerical data in accordance with a predetermined procedure, for example, Control is performed so that numerical data used as a random number, a random number for determining a notice mode, a random number for determining a notice change, a random number for determining a prior change, or the like can be counted. Whether the notice determination random number executes a notice by a predetermined hold change display for changing the display mode of a plurality of hold displays when there are a plurality of special figure games stored in the special figure hold storage area. A random number used to determine whether or not. The random number for determining the notice mode is a random number used for selecting a plurality of display modes of the hold display to be changed when the notice by the predetermined hold change display is executed. The random number for determining the notice change is changed from the display form of the hold display having a low probability of jackpot (hit reliability) to the display form of the hold display having a high probability of making a big hit when the notice by the hold change display is performed. And a random number used to determine whether or not to change. The random number for pre-change determination is a random number used to determine whether or not to change the display mode for at least one hold display when the advance notice by the hold change display is not executed.

  The oscillation circuit 110 outputs a reference clock signal to the CPU 112 and the VDP 115, and the reset circuit 111 outputs a reset signal for resetting the CPU 112 and the VDP 115. When the CPU 112 receives a display control command from the main board 11, the CPU 112 reads control data for performing display control from the ROM 113 while using the RAM 114 as a work area. Further, the CPU 112 sends a drawing command to the VDP 115 based on the read control data.

  The ROM 113 is a semiconductor memory that stores various control programs executed by the CPU 112, fixed parameters, and the like. For example, the ROM 113 notifies that the variable display result in the special game may become a big hit by changing the display mode of a plurality of hold displays as a predetermined hold change display (hereinafter also referred to as “hold notice”). ) A notice determination table to be referred to for determining whether or not to perform is stored. Further, the ROM 113 corresponds to the variable display pattern designated by the variable display start command from the main board 11, and the variable display speed, the display position, the size, the display color and the display color of the special symbol in the variable display device 4. A process table for determining the display period in the state is stored.

  The RAM 114 is a semiconductor memory used as a work area by the CPU 112. In the RAM 114, a display control flag setting area for setting a plurality of types of flags that are set or cleared according to the display state of the variable display device 4, the display control command from the main board 11, and the like, and the variable display device 4 In order to measure various times used for the display control, a display control timer setting area for storing data indicating a plurality of types of timer values may be provided. The RAM 114 may be provided with a display control counter setting area for storing data indicating a plurality of types of count values in order to count the number of executions of the special figure game. Note that circuits used for flag setting, timers, and counters may be configured by a register circuit provided separately from the RAM 114.

  Here, in the display control counter setting area, for example, an area for storing data indicating a count value for realizing a function as a notice count counter or a start winning determination counter is provided. The notice number counter is used to count the number of special-purpose games that are executed after the hold notice by the hold change display that changes the display mode of the plurality of hold displays. Unlike the hold change display, the start winning determination counter counts the number of special figure games executed after changing the display mode of one hold display, so that a new winning ball is changed after the display mode of the hold display is changed. This is to make it possible to determine whether or not there has been.

  The VDP 115 has a display control function and a high-speed drawing function for displaying an image, and executes image processing according to a drawing command from the CPU 112. Further, it has a two-dimensional address space independent of the CPU 112, and the VRAM 117 is mapped there. For example, the VDP 115 generates image data according to the data read from the CGROM 116 and develops it on the VRAM 117. Then, R (red), G (green), B (blue) signals and a synchronization signal are output to the variable display device 4. As an example, each of the R, G, and B signals is represented by 8 bits, and the variable display device 4 synthesizes each of R, G, and B in 256 gradations according to an instruction from the VDP 115, and synthesizes them to obtain a large number of about 16.7 million colors. Color display can be performed. Note that the number of bits of the R, G, and B signals may be other than 8 bits, and the number of bits of the R, G, and B signals may be different from each other.

  The CGROM 116 is for storing various image data used for displaying an image on the variable display device 4. For example, the CGROM 116 stores character image data frequently used among images displayed on the variable display device 4, specifically, a person, an animal, a character, a figure, a symbol, or the like in advance. The CGROM 116 also stores a plurality of types of image data used for changing the display mode of the hold display displayed on the hold storage number display unit of the variable display device 4. As a specific example, the CGROM 116 has image data indicating characters of “colorless circle” and “colored circle” as notification information for notifying the number of special figure games that are reserved and stored in normal times. Stored in advance. In addition, image data indicating characters such as “handgun”, “bullet”, “bomb”, “writer”, and the like is notified to the CGROM 116 as notification information for notifying the number of special figure games in a hold display mode different from the normal time. Stored in advance. A VRAM 117 is a frame buffer memory for expanding image data generated by the VDP 115.

  Next, the operation (action) of the pachinko gaming machine 1 in this embodiment will be described. In the main board 11, when the power supply voltage is supplied, the game control microcomputer 100 is activated, and the CPU 103 executes a predetermined game control main process. In this game control main process, the operation of each part of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is initialized and predetermined initial settings are performed. By executing such a game control main process, the CPU 103 is set to generate a timer interrupt periodically (for example, every 2 milliseconds).

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a game control interrupt process that is executed each time a timer interrupt occurs in the CPU 103. In this example, when a timer interrupt occurs in the CPU 103, first, a predetermined switch process is executed to determine the state of the detection signal input from each winning port switch 70 via the switch circuit 107 (step S11). ). Subsequently, by executing predetermined error processing, abnormality diagnosis of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is performed, and a warning can be generated if necessary according to the diagnosis result (step S12). Thereafter, a determination random number update process (step S13) for updating the determination random number counted on the main board 11 side and a display random number update process (step S14) for updating the display random number are sequentially performed. Execute.

  Next, the CPU 103 executes special symbol process processing (step S15). In the special symbol process, various processes are selected and executed in order to control the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to a predetermined procedure. Subsequent to the special symbol process, a normal symbol process for controlling the display operation in the normal symbol display 40 (for example, lighting or blinking of a 7-segment LED or a lamp) is performed. (Step S16). In addition, the CPU 103 transmits a control command from the main board 11 to a sub-side control board such as the display control board 12 by executing a predetermined command control process, and instructs operation control according to the gaming state. (Step S17). Further, by executing a predetermined information output process, the contents of the storage area for various output data are output to each output port included in the I / O port 104 (step S18). In this information output process, a command for outputting jackpot information, start-up information, probability variation information, etc. to the hall management computer is also transmitted from the main board 11 to a predetermined information terminal board.

  Subsequently, the CPU 103 executes a predetermined solenoid process to control the movement of the movable blade piece in the normal variable winning ball device 6 and the opening / closing control of the opening / closing plate in the special variable winning ball device 7 when a predetermined condition is satisfied. Is performed (step S19). Thereafter, by executing predetermined prize ball processing, the number of prize balls can be set based on the detection signal input from each prize opening switch 70, and a payout control command can be output to a predetermined payout control board. (Step S20).

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the special symbol process executed in step S15. In this special symbol process, the CPU 103 first inputs whether or not a game ball has won the normal variable winning ball device 6 from, for example, a starting ball detection switch included in each winning hole switch 70 via the switch circuit 107. The determination is made by checking the detected signal or the like (step S100). When the game ball is won and the detection signal from the start ball detection switch is turned on (step S100; Yes), a predetermined winning process is executed (step S101), and the game ball is not won (Step S100; No), the winning process is skipped.

  In the winning process in step S101, it is determined whether or not the number of reserved memories in the special figure reserved storage area of the RAM 102 is equal to or greater than the upper limit “4”. At this time, if the value of the big hit determination random number corresponding to the hold number “4” is stored in the special figure hold storage area, it is determined that the hold storage number is “4” or more. If the number of reserved memories is “4” or more, the start of the special figure game by the current winning is invalid and nothing is performed. On the other hand, when the number of reserved memories is less than “4”, the number of reserved memories is incremented by 1 and the value of the jackpot determination random number obtained from a predetermined random number generation circuit is added to the head of the empty entry in the special figure reserved storage area. set. At this time, a setting is made to transmit a winning special figure storage information command indicating the number of special figure games stored in the special figure storage area to the display control board 12. For example, the CPU 103 predetermines control data including MODE data indicating a special figure storage information command at the time of winning and EXT data indicating a holding number in a special figure holding storage area in which a value of a jackpot determination random number is set. In the command transmission table, the special figure storage information command at the time of winning is set to be transmittable.

  Thereafter, the CPU 103 executes the following processes of steps S110 to S117 corresponding to the value of the special symbol process flag that is updated according to the gaming state.

  When the value of the special symbol process flag is “0”, the CPU 103 performs “special symbol normal processing” including processing for determining whether or not to start the special symbol game based on the data stored in the special symbol storage area. "Is executed (step S110). In the special symbol normal processing, when it is determined that the special symbol game is to be started, either the special symbol game in which the start condition is satisfied or the special symbol game that is reserved and stored in the special symbol storage area In addition, as a process for determining whether or not the variable display result is a big hit, a start hold memory determination process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 7 is executed.

  In the starting hold memory determination process shown in FIG. 7, the CPU 103 first checks whether the probability change flag provided in the game control flag setting area of the RAM 102 is in a high probability state by the probability change control, for example. Is determined (step S201). At this time, if it is determined that the state is in a high probability state (step S201; Yes), the process proceeds to step S211. On the other hand, when it is determined that the high probability state is not reached (step S201; No), the number of stored special figure games stored in the special figure storage area (the number of stored memories) becomes plural. It is determined whether or not (step S202).

  If it is determined in step S202 that the number of reserved memories is not plural (step S202; No), the process proceeds to step S211. On the other hand, when it is determined that the number of stored memories is plural, the CPU 103 determines to determine whether any special figure game is a big hit, and steps S203 to S210. Execute the process. That is, the CPU 103 initializes the value of the variable n for specifying the order in which the special figure game that is a big hit is set to “0” (step S203), and the special condition of this time when the start condition is satisfied. It is determined whether or not the variable display result is a big hit in the figure game (step S204). Here, whether or not it is a big hit in this special figure game can be determined by confirming whether or not the big hit flag is turned on as a result of executing the big hit determination process in step S111. .

  When it is determined in step S204 that the current special figure game is a big hit (step S204; Yes), the process proceeds to step S209. On the other hand, when it is determined that it will not be a big hit in this special figure game (step S204; No), the value of the variable n is incremented by 1 (step S205), and the value of the variable n is stored in the special figure holding storage area. The value of the jackpot determination random number stored corresponding to the same storage number is read (step S206). The CPU 103 executes a jackpot determination process for determining whether or not the variable display result in the special figure game is a jackpot based on the value of the jackpot determination random number thus read (step S207).

  As an execution result of the jackpot determination process in step S207, the CPU 103 determines whether or not the variable display result in the special game stored on hold is a jackpot (step S208). Here, when it is determined that a big hit is made (step S208; Yes), the process proceeds to step S209, and the start special figure storage information indicating that there is a special figure game that is a big hit corresponding to the value of the variable n. A setting for transmitting a command to the display control board 12 is performed. For example, the CPU 103 stores MODE data indicating that it is a start special map storage information command, EXT data including pre-determination result data determined as shown in FIG. 3B corresponding to the value of the variable n, For example, the start special figure storage information command is set to be transmittable by setting the control data consisting of Further, at this time, data indicating the number of stored special figure games stored in the special figure storage area is set as the number of stored storage data included in the EXT data. In this way, when the transmission setting of the start special map storage information command is performed in step S209, when the hold notice is performed by the hold change display, the special game when the hold notice ends (the object of the hold notice) The display control board 12 is notified that the variable display result in the special game is a big hit.

  When it is determined in step S208 that a loss has occurred (step S208; No), the CPU 103 determines whether the value of the variable n is equal to the number of reserved memories in the special figure reserved storage area (step S208). S210). When the value of the variable n is different from the number of reserved storage (step S210; No), the process returns to step S205, and further, the jackpot determination process based on the value of the jackpot determination random number stored in the special figure storage area Execute.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the value of the variable n is equal to the number of reserved memories (step S210; Yes), the CPU 103 is a big hit among the special figure game of this time and the special figure game that is reserved and stored. If it is determined that there is no special figure game, the process proceeds to step S211, and a setting for transmitting a start special figure storage information command to the display control board 12 indicating that there is no special figure game that is a big hit is performed. For example, the CPU 103 obtains control data including MODE data indicating a start special map storage information command and EXT data including pre-determination result data in which bits 5 to 3 are all “1”. Then, by setting it in a predetermined command transmission table, the start special figure storage information command is set to be transmittable. Also at this time, as in step S209, data indicating the number of special figure games stored in the special figure storage area is set as the storage data included in the EXT data. In this way, when the transmission setting of the start special figure storage information command is performed in step S210, when the hold notice is made by the hold change display, the variable display result in the special figure game subject to the hold notice is lost. This is notified to the display control board 12 side.

  After the start hold memory determination process is completed in this manner, the command control process in step S17 shown in FIG. 5 is executed, so that a special game that satisfies the start condition and a special game that is held and stored A start special figure storage information command indicating whether or not any of them is a big hit is transmitted from the main board 11 to the display control board 12.

  In the special symbol process shown in FIG. 6, when the value of the special symbol process flag is “1”, the CPU 103 determines whether or not the variable display result in the special symbol game for which the start condition is satisfied is determined to be a big hit. The “hit determination process” consisting of is executed (step S111). When it is determined in this big hit determination process that the variable display result is a big hit, the big hit flag is set to an on state, and when it is determined to be lost, the big hit flag is cleared and an off state is set. Become. When the value of the special symbol process flag is “2”, a “variable display setting process” including a determined symbol determination process and a variable display pattern setting process is executed (step S112).

  When the value of the special symbol process flag is “3”, “variable display control processing” including processing for measuring the variable symbol display time in the special symbol game by the variable display device 4 is executed (step S113). When the value of the special symbol process flag is “4”, “variable display stop time process” including a process of performing deceleration stop of the special symbol variably displayed on the variable display device 4 is executed (step S114). In this variable display stop process, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to “5” when the variable display result in the special symbol game is a big hit. On the other hand, when the variable display result is lost, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to “0”.

  When the value of the special symbol process flag is “5”, “pre-opening process for big winning opening” for performing an initialization process or the like for the big hit operation is executed (step S115). When the value of the special symbol process flag is “6”, various processes relating to the big hit operation and “a big prize opening opening process” for checking the opening time of the special variable winning ball apparatus 7 per time are executed (step) S116). When the value of the special symbol process flag is “7”, it is determined whether or not the big hit operation is finished. "End processing" is executed (step S117).

  Next, the special game process on the display control board 12 will be described. In the display control board 12, the CPU 112 detects, for example, occurrence of a timer interrupt every 33 milliseconds by determining whether or not a timer interrupt flag provided in a display control flag setting area of the RAM 113 is turned on, for example. Thus, the command reception process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 8 and the display control process process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 9 are executed. The period at which the timer interrupt is generated in the CPU 112 is not limited to 33 milliseconds, and can be arbitrarily set according to various processes executed by the CPU 112.

  In the command reception process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 8, various processes corresponding to the types of display control commands received by the display control board 12 from the main board 11 are executed. When the display control INT signal is turned on, the display control command from the main board 11 is fetched into the display control board 12 side by the CPU 112 executing a predetermined interrupt process, for example, and stored in the RAM 114 in advance. What is necessary is just to hold | maintain the reception order of a command in the predetermined | prescribed reception command buffer etc. which were provided.

  In the command reception process shown in FIG. 8, the CPU 112 first checks whether there is a display control command received from the main board 11 (step S121). When it is confirmed that there is a received command (step S121; Yes), it is determined whether or not the command is a special symbol designation command (step S122).

  When it is determined in step S122 that the command is a special symbol designation command (step S122; Yes), for example, the EXT data of the command is stored in a fixed symbol storage area for special symbols provided in the RAM 114 in advance. Then, the symbol number of the special symbol is stored (step S123). At this time, the valid flag provided in the display control flag setting area of the RAM 114 is set to the on state (step S124). On the other hand, when it is determined in step S122 that the command is not a special symbol designation command (step S122; No), it is determined whether or not the received command is a variable display start command (step S125).

  When it is determined in step S125 that the command is a variable display start command (step S125; Yes), for example, the EXT data of the command is stored in a variable display pattern storage area provided in advance in the RAM 114. The designated variable display pattern is saved (step S126). At this time, the variable display start flag provided in the display control flag setting area of the RAM 114 is set to the on state (step S127). On the other hand, when it is determined in step S125 that the command is not a variable display start command (step S125; No), it is determined whether or not the received command is a winning special figure storage information command (step S125). S128).

  When it is determined in step S128 that the command is a special figure memory information command at the time of winning (step S128; Yes), the number of reserved memories of the variable display device 4 corresponding to the number of reserved memories specified by the command. Processing for updating the hold display displayed on the display unit is executed (step S129). On the other hand, when it is determined in step S128 that it is not a winning special figure storage information command (step S128; No), it is determined whether or not the received command is a start special figure storage information command. (Step S130).

  When it is determined in step S130 that the command is a start time special map storage information command (step S130; Yes), for example, the EXT data of the command is stored in the RAM 114 in a start storage memory number storage area provided in advance. The designated number of reserved memories is saved (step S131). At this time, the preliminary determination result data included in the EXT data is also stored in the RAM 114. On the other hand, when the received command is another display control command (step S130; No), the command reception flag corresponding to the display control command received in the display control flag setting area of the RAM 114 is set to the on state. (Step S132), the process returns to step S121. When the settings corresponding to all the received commands are thus completed (step S121; No), the command receiving process is terminated.

  Subsequently, in the display control process processing shown in FIG. 9, the CPU 112 executes the following processing of steps S150 to S155 corresponding to the value of the display control process flag provided in the display control flag setting area of the RAM 114. To do.

  When the value of the display control process flag is “0”, the CPU 112 determines whether or not a variable display start command for instructing start of variable display of special symbols in the special figure game is received from the main board 11. The “variable display start command reception waiting process” is executed (step S150). When the value of the display control process flag is “1”, the display operation of the variable display device 4 is set in order to perform various display effects including special symbol variable display in the special game. Process "is executed (step S151). In this display control setting process, the hold notice setting process shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 10 and 11 is executed as a process for making a hold notice by changing the display mode of a plurality of hold displays.

  In the hold advance notice setting process shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, first, the CPU 112 determines whether or not the high probability state by the probability variation control is set (step S251). When it is determined that the high probability state is established (step S251; Yes), the hold notice setting process is terminated as it is. On the other hand, when it is determined that the state is not a high probability state (step S251; No), the CPU 112 determines whether or not a hold notice by a hold change display that has changed the display mode of a plurality of hold displays has already been performed. (Step S252). Here, the setting that the advance notice is being made is stored in the RAM 114 or the like in step S264 described later.

  When the CPU 112 determines that the hold notice has not been made (step S252; No), for example, the special game based on the hold memory number indicated by the data stored in the start hold memory number storage area of the RAM 114, for example. It is determined whether or not there is a plurality of reserved storage numbers (step S253). At this time, if there is not a plurality of holding storage numbers, the holding notice setting process is ended as it is. On the other hand, when the number of reserved memories is plural (step S253; Yes), it is determined whether the count value of the start winning determination counter provided in the display control counter setting area is “0” (step). S254). When the count value of the start winning determination counter is other than “0” (step S254; No), the count value of the start winning determination counter is decremented by 1 (step S255), and when the count value is “0” (step S254). ; Yes), the process proceeds to step S257.

  Here, in the start winning determination counter, a count initial value corresponding to the reserved storage number is set in step S277 described later. When the count value is other than “0”, 1 is subtracted in step S255, and when the count value becomes “1”, it is initialized to “0” in step S297 of the hold notice end process described later. It becomes. Further, when a hold notice is made by a hold change display that changes the display mode of a plurality of hold displays, the count value is initialized to “0” in step S265 described later. As a result, the period until the start condition is established for all of the special figure games that are stored on hold when the display mode of one hold display is changed, or the hold change is made after the display mode of one hold display is changed. The count value of the start winning determination counter is a value other than “0” in the period until the hold notice by the display is started, and “0” in other periods. Therefore, after it is determined in step S253 that the number of stored storage is plural, if it is determined in step S254 that the count value of the start winning determination counter is “0”, one hold display is made. It is determined that the display mode has not been changed.

  Further, by subtracting 1 from the count value of the start winning determination counter in step S255, it is determined whether or not the subtracted start win determination counter is smaller than the reserved storage number (step S256), 1 It is possible to determine whether or not there is a new winning ball after changing the display mode of one hold display. When it is determined in step S256 that the count value of the start winning determination counter is equal to or greater than the number of reserved memories (step S256; No), there is no new winning ball after changing the display mode of one reserved display. Judgment is made, and the hold notice setting process is terminated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the count value of the start winning determination counter is smaller than the reserved storage number (step S256; Yes), the process proceeds to step S257.

  Subsequently, in step S257, the CPU 112 determines whether or not to execute the hold notice depending on whether the variable display result in the special game subject to the hold notice by the hold change display becomes a big hit or a loss. Set up to do. For example, a predetermined notice execution determination table is stored in advance in the ROM 113 in correspondence with a case where a special game is a big hit or a case where a game is lost. This notice execution table stores setting data for associating, for example, the value of the random number for notice determination and the result of determination as to whether or not to execute the hold notice. Here, the value of the random number for the notice determination assigned to the judgment result indicating that the hold notice is executed is different between the case of winning the big hit and the case of losing. More random values than the table in the case of the above are associated with the determination result to execute the hold notice. The CPU 112 specifies whether or not the variable display result in the special figure game that is the target of the hold notice becomes a big hit or lose based on the preliminary determination result data of the start special figure storage information command from the main board 11. Depending on the result of the variable display, either the table for the big hit or the table for the loss is selected.

  Thereafter, the CPU 112 extracts the value of the random number for notice determination from the random number generation circuit mounted on the display control board 12 (step S258), and changes the hold by referring to the notice execution determination table set in step S257. It is determined whether or not to hold a hold notice by display (step S259). When it is determined that the hold notice is to be executed (step S259; Yes), a setting for determining the display mode of the hold display in the hold change display is performed (step S260). For example, the ROM 113 stores a plurality of predetermined notice mode determination tables in advance in correspondence with the determination result of whether to win a big game or lose in the special game, the number of stored memories, the display mode in the current hold display, and the like. Remember. Each notification mode determination table stores setting data for associating a value of a random number for determination of a notification mode with a plurality of combination patterns for holding display. The CPU 112 has a plurality of types according to the display state in the reserved storage number display section of the variable display device 4, the prior determination result specified by the start special map storage information command from the main board 11, the number of reserved memories, and the like. Select one of the notification mode determination tables.

  Subsequent to step S260, the CPU 112 extracts the value of the notice mode determination random number from the random number generation circuit (step S261), refers to the notice mode determination table set in step S260, and holds the hold notice by the hold change display. The production mode is selected (step S262). In this embodiment, according to the setting in the notice mode determination table, among the combinations of “handgun” and “writer”, “bomb” and “bullet”, “handgun” and “bullet”, “bomb” and “writer” Any one of the combinations of the pending displays is selected with a probability as shown in FIG. FIG. 12 also shows the jackpot reliability for each combination of hold display. This jackpot reliability has a jackpot probability of 1/300, and the probability that a hold notice is executed when both the special figure game for which the start condition is satisfied and the special figure game that is held and stored is lost. 100, calculated that the probability that the hold notice is executed is 1/10 when a big hit is made in any of the special figure game in which the start condition is satisfied and the special figure game stored on hold .

  Thereafter, the CPU 112 changes the display mode of the hold display in the hold memory number display section of the variable display device 4 by, for example, transmitting a predetermined drawing command to the VDP 115 according to the effect mode selected in step S262 ( Step S263). The VDP 115 reads the image data from the CGROM 116 in accordance with a drawing command from the CPU 112 and develops it on a predetermined area of the VRAM 117, thereby changing the display mode of a plurality of hold displays in the hold storage number display section of the variable display device 4. In this way, the hold notice by the hold change display is started.

  At this time, the CPU 112 stores, for example, data indicating the display mode of the hold display (combination display combination pattern) changed in step S263 in the RAM 114, and the effect that the hold notice by the hold change display is performed. Are saved (step S264). Then, the count value of the start winning determination counter is initialized to “0” (step S265), and the count initial value of the notice count counter is set (step S266). Specifically, when the predetermination result data included in the EXT data of the start special map storage information command indicates that the special figure game to be subject to the hold notice is a big hit, the predetermination result data The count initial value obtained by adding 1 to the value corresponding to the order in which the special figure game that is the big hit specified in is executed is set in the notice count counter. In addition, when the predetermination result data indicates that the special game that is subject to the hold notice is lost, the count initial value obtained by adding 1 to the value corresponding to the hold memory number specified by the hold memory number data Set the value in the notice count counter.

  Moreover, when it determines with the pending | holding advance notice being performed in step S252 mentioned above (step S252; Yes), it progresses to step S267. At this time, it is not determined whether or not to execute the hold notice in step S259. In step S267, the CPU 112 determines whether or not the variable display pattern designated by the variable display start command is a jackpot variable display pattern. When the variable display pattern is not the jackpot variable display pattern (step S267; No), the hold notice setting process is terminated. On the other hand, when the variable display pattern is a variable display pattern for big hits (step S267; Yes), for example, it is currently being executed based on a setting indicating that the hold notice stored in the RAM 114 is being performed. As a display mode of the hold display in the hold notice, a combination of a plurality of hold displays in the hold memory number display section of the variable display device 4 is specified (step S268).

  Subsequently, for example, the CPU 112 determines whether or not there is a combination of the hold display having a higher jackpot reliability than the combination of the hold display specified in step S268. It is determined whether or not (step S269). For example, in the combination of the hold display shown in FIG. 12, when the display mode of the hold display is changed so as to be a combination of the hold display other than “bomb” and “writer”, the display of the hold memory number of the variable display device 4 is performed. It is determined that there is a notice effect mode with a combination of a hold display having a higher jackpot reliability than a combination of a hold display in the hold notice currently being executed by the section. When it is determined that there is no notice effect mode having a high jackpot reliability (step S269; No), the hold notice setting process is terminated.

  When it is determined in step S269 that there is a notice effect mode with high jackpot reliability (step S269; Yes), the CPU 112 extracts the value of the notice change determination random number from the random number generation circuit (step S270). Subsequently, the CPU 112 refers to a notice change determination table stored in advance in the ROM 113 based on the value of the notice change determination random number extracted in step S270, for example, and displays the hold display in the hold notice. It is determined whether or not to change (step S271). The notice change determination table stores setting data for associating, for example, a random number for notice change determination and a determination result as to whether or not to change the display mode of the hold display, and the notice change determination extracted by the CPU 112 is stored. By reading the determination result associated with the random number value for use, it is possible to determine whether or not to change the effect mode in the hold notice.

  For example, in the notice change determination table, compared to the determination result that the display mode of the hold display is not changed, a larger number of random numbers for the notice change determination for the determination result that the display mode of the hold display is changed. Is assigned. As a result, when it is determined in step S267 that the variable display pattern for big hit is made, in step S269, it is determined that there is a notice effect mode having a high jackpot reliability, the hold change display is performed. A determination is made to change and display the combination of the pending display that is currently displayed at a higher rate than the determination that the combination of the pending display is displayed as it is and to change the display to the combination of the pending display that has a higher jackpot reliability than the combination of the pending display. It will be. That is, when a special display game that is a big hit is performed when determining the combination of the hold display to be displayed by changing the effect mode in the hold notice, it is compared with the combination pattern of the hold display selected in step S262. The combination pattern of the holding display having a high ratio and the high reliability of the jackpot is selected as the special combination pattern of the holding display.

  When it is determined in step S271 that the display mode of the hold display is to be changed (step S271; Yes), the display is switched to the hold change display by the combination of the hold display having a high jackpot reliability (step S272). For example, the CPU 112 selects one out of those having higher hit reliability than the combination of the hold display specified in step S268, and transmits a drawing command designating the selected combination to the VDP 115. The VDP 115 switches the display mode of the hold display in the hold memory number display unit of the variable display device 4 by reading out image data from the CGROM 116 in accordance with a drawing command from the CPU 112. Thus, after the hold notice by the hold change display is started, when the variable display start condition is satisfied, the display mode of the plurality of hold displays in the currently held change display is changed to the step at the start of the hold change display. The combination of the hold display selected in S262 can be changed to the combination of the hold display having a higher probability of winning a big hit.

  Further, when it is determined in step S259 that the advance notice is not executed (step S259; No), it is determined whether or not the count value of the start winning determination counter is “0” (FIG. 11). Step S273). When the count value of the start winning determination counter is other than “0” (step S273; No), it is determined that the display mode of the hold display has already been changed in the hold memory number display section of the variable display device 4, and the hold is held. The notice setting process ends.

  On the other hand, when the count value of the start winning determination counter is “0” (step S273; Yes), the CPU 112 extracts the value of the preliminary change determination random number from the random number generation circuit (step S274) and stores it in advance in, for example, the ROM 113. It is determined whether or not to change the display mode of the hold display by referring to the pre-change determination table (step S275). The advance change determination table stores, for example, setting data that associates the value of the advance change determination random number with the determination result of whether or not to change the display mode of the hold display.

  When it is determined in step S275 that the display mode is to be changed (step S275; Yes), for example, by transmitting a predetermined drawing command to the VDP 115, one of the hold displays in the hold memory number display unit of the variable display device 4 The display mode is changed (step S276). Subsequent to step S276, the CPU 112 sets a count initial value corresponding to the reserved storage number in the start winning determination counter (step S277), and setting data indicating the display mode of the hold display changed in step S276 is stored in the RAM 114. It stores and saves in (step S278). In this way, when the hold notice by the hold change display is not performed when the start condition of the special figure game is established, the display mode of one hold display can be changed at a predetermined ratio.

  In the display control process processing shown in FIG. 9, when the value of the display control process flag is “2”, “special symbol variable display processing” for controlling the display operation of the variable display device 4 during variable display of the special symbol is executed. (Step S152). When the value of the display control process flag is “3”, a “special symbol stop waiting process” including a process of receiving a special symbol determination command from the main board 11 and stopping and displaying the determined symbol is executed (step S153). In this special symbol stop waiting process, the value of the display control process flag is updated to “4” when the variable display result in the special symbol game is a big hit. On the other hand, when the variable display result is lost, the value of the display control process flag is updated to “0”. In the special symbol stop waiting process, the hold notice end process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 13 is executed.

  In the hold notice end process shown in FIG. 13, the CPU 112 first determines whether or not a hold notice based on a hold change display is being executed (step S291). When the hold notice is being executed (step S291; Yes), the count value of the notice count counter is decremented by 1 (step S292), and it is determined whether or not the count value of the subtracted notice count counter has become “0”. (Step S293). Here, in the notice count counter, in step S266 of the hold notice setting process shown in FIG. A value or a count initial value obtained by adding 1 to a value corresponding to the number of reserved memories specified by the number of reserved memories is set. For this reason, the special figure game in which the start condition is established when it is determined in step S259 shown in FIG. 10 that the holding notice is executed, and the special figure game stored on hold at that time are executed. Of these, when the variable display of the special symbol ends in the last special symbol game, the count value of the notice counter becomes “0”.

  Therefore, when it is determined that the count value of the advance notice counter has become “0” (step S293; Yes), the CPU 112 transmits a predetermined drawing command to the VDP 115, for example, and the like, for example. The display mode of the hold display in the hold memory number display section is returned to the normal display mode (step S294). Further, the data stored in the RAM 114 or the like in step S264 of the hold notice setting process shown in FIG. 10 is deleted, and the setting indicating that the hold notice is being performed is cleared (step S295). On the other hand, when the count value of the notice count counter is other than “0” in step S293, steps S294 and S295 are skipped, and the hold notice termination process is terminated.

  Further, when the hold notice is not executed in step S291 (step S291; No), it is determined whether or not the count value of the start winning determination counter is “1” (step S296). Here, each time the advance notice setting process is executed after the count initial value corresponding to the number of reserved memories is set in step S277 of the advance notice setting process shown in FIG. In step S255 shown in FIG. For this reason, when the count value of the start winning determination counter is “1” in step S291, the hold storage is performed when it is determined in step S275 shown in FIG. 11 that the display mode of the hold display is changed. Only one special figure game among the special figure games that have been held is stored on hold.

  Therefore, when it is determined that the count value of the start winning determination counter is “1” (step S296; Yes), the CPU 112 initializes the count value of the start winning determination counter as “0” (step S297). ). Further, the CPU 112 returns the display mode of the hold display in the hold storage number display unit of the variable display device 4 to the normal display mode by, for example, transmitting a predetermined drawing command to the VDP 115 (step S298). Subsequently, the data stored in the RAM 114 or the like is deleted in step S278 of the hold notice setting process shown in FIG. 11, and the setting indicating that the display mode of the hold display is changed is cleared (step S299). On the other hand, when the count value of the start winning determination counter is other than “1” in step S296, steps S297 to 299 are skipped, and the holding notice end processing is ended. As a result, when the start condition of the special figure game is satisfied next time, the start condition is set for all of the special figure games that are stored on hold when the display mode of one hold display is changed in the hold notice setting process. Corresponding to being established and no longer stored, the display mode of the hold display is returned to the normal display mode.

  In the display control process shown in FIG. 9, when the value of the display control process flag is “4”, a “hit display process” for controlling the display operation in the variable display device 4 in accordance with the big hit operation is executed (step S154). . When the value of the display control process flag is “5”, the “big hit end display process” for controlling the display operation of the variable display device 4 is executed for the display notifying that the big hit gaming state has ended (step S155). .

  Next, the operation of the pachinko gaming machine 1 described above will be described based on a specific example. When the player operates a hitting operation handle provided at the lower right position of the pachinko gaming machine 1, a game ball is driven into the game area by the launch motor and descends within the game area. The main board 11 monitors the presence / absence of an input from each winning a prize opening switch 70.

  When the game ball wins the normal variable winning ball device 6, the starting ball detector detects the winning of the game ball. When the detection signal from the starting ball detection switch included in each winning opening switch 70 is turned on (step S100 in FIG. 6; Yes), the CPU 103 of the game control microcomputer 100 extracts the value of the jackpot determination random number. Then, the extracted random number value is stored at the top of the empty entry in the special figure storage area (winning process in step S101).

  When the special condition game or the round game in the big hit game state is not executed, the CPU 103 executes the start-time hold memory determination process shown in FIG. 7 assuming that the start condition of the special figure game is satisfied. In the start hold memory determination process, when there are a plurality of special figure games stored in the special figure hold storage area (step S202; Yes), the special figure game and the special figure satisfying the start condition are satisfied. A determination is made as to whether or not any of the special game that has been stored in the storage area and has not yet met the start condition has a variable display result that is a big hit. Further, when the probability variation control is performed and the state is in a high probability state (step S201; Yes), it is not determined whether there is a special game whose variable display result is a big hit.

  As a result of executing the start hold memory determination process, a start special map storage information command including pre-determination result data and hold memory number data is transmitted from the main board 11 to the display control board 12 (step). S209 or S211). On the display control board 12 side, the CPU 112 stores the pre-determination result data and the pending storage number data included in the start special figure storage information command from the main board 11 in the RAM 114 or the like (step S131 in FIG. 8).

  On the main board 11 side, the CPU 103 determines a fixed symbol and a variable display pattern in the special game, and transmits a variable display start command and a special symbol designation command to the display control board 12 (step shown in FIG. 6). Variable display setting process in S112). The CPU 112 of the display control board 12 executes the hold notice setting process shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 when the variable display start command is received. In the hold notice setting process, when there is a plurality of hold memories of the special figure game (step S253), it is determined whether or not the hold notice by the hold change display is executed (step S259). Here, when the hold notice is not executed (step S259; No), it is determined whether or not to change the display mode for one of the plurality of hold displays (step S275).

  The CPU 112 of the display control board 12 starts the variable display of the special symbol by the variable display device 4 based on the reception of the variable display start command and the special symbol designation command from the main board 11. For example, as shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B, special symbols that are stopped and displayed in the left, middle, and right variable display areas 41 a to 41 c provided in the display area of the variable display device 4. Start variable display of. In the display example shown in FIG. 14A, the reserved memory number of the special figure game is displayed in the normal display mode on the reserved memory number display unit 42 provided in the variable display device 4. Specifically, in the example shown in FIG. 14A, the number of stored special figure games stored on hold is “4”, and four “colored circles” corresponding to the stored number are images. Is displayed. Then, when the start condition of the special figure game is satisfied, the stored number of special figure games held on hold decreases to “3”, for example, three “colored” corresponding to the reduced stored number “3”. The display is switched to an image that shows an “circle” and an image that shows one “colorless circle”.

  At this time, if it is determined in step S275 that the display mode of the hold display is to be changed (step S275; Yes), for example, three “colored circles” as shown in FIG. 14B. Is changed to the display of the storage information 42a indicating "bomb" different from the normal time (step S276). The display mode of the one hold display thus changed is maintained as it is changed until the count value in the start winning determination counter set with the count initial value in step S277 becomes “1” (shown in FIG. 13). Step S296; No). Here, the display position of one hold display whose display mode has been changed may be moved each time the start condition of the special figure game is satisfied. For example, when the start condition of the special figure game stored on hold is satisfied. Corresponding to the decrease in the number of reserved memories, the reserved display whose display mode has been changed is returned to the normal display mode, and 1 is provided at a position adjacent to the left side in the reserved memory number display unit 42. The display mode of one hold display may be changed.

  When a new game ball is won in the normal variable winning ball apparatus 6 after changing the display mode for one hold display in this way, the hold notice is executed again in the hold notice setting process shown in FIGS. Is determined (step S259 executed after the determination of Yes in step S256). At this time, if it is determined that the hold notice is to be executed (step S259; Yes), the CPU 112 determines whether the special game that is the object of the hold notice is a big hit or lose, The display mode of the hold display to be changed by the hold change display by referring to the notification mode determination table prepared in advance corresponding to the storage number and the display mode of the hold display in the hold memory number display unit 42, etc. Select (step S262).

  In the notice mode determination table, as shown in FIG. 12, the value of the random number for determining the notice mode is assigned to a plurality of combination patterns of the hold display so that the probability of winning a big hit differs depending on the combination of the hold display. It is. In the example shown in FIG. 12, when a big hit is made in a special figure game subject to hold notice, a combination of “handgun” and “bullet” and a combination of “bomb” and “writer” are subject to hold notice. It is set to be selected at a higher rate than when it is lost in a special figure game. By changing the hold display in the hold memory number display unit 42 according to the display form of the hold display selected with reference to the notice mode determination table (step S263), for example, as shown in FIG. The display mode of the plurality of hold displays is changed. The display example shown in FIG. 14D shows an example of the hold change display executed when the combination of “bomb” and “writer” is selected, and the hold memory number display section 42 displays “bomb”. Is displayed along with the storage information 42a indicating "writer".

  As shown in FIG. 14 (D), when the display mode is changed to the hold display composed of the combination of “bomb” and “writer”, for example, “bomb” and “bullet” are displayed as shown in FIG. 15 (A). The variable display result in the special-figure game subject to the hold notice becomes a big hit with a higher probability than when the display mode is changed to the hold display form composed of the combination with the hold storage information 42c. That is, as shown in FIG. 12, while the jackpot reliability of the hold display mode by the combination of “bomb” and “bullet” is 1/37, the hold display mode by the combination of “bomb” and “writer” The jackpot reliability is 4/7.

  When the hold notice by the hold change display is started in this way, the display forms of the plurality of hold displays remain changed until the count value in the notice count counter set with the initial count value in step S266 becomes “0”. (Step S293 shown in FIG. 13; No). Here, the display positions of the plurality of hold displays whose display modes have been changed may be moved every time the start condition of the special figure game is satisfied.

  Thereafter, when one or a plurality of special figure games are executed and the count value in the notice counter becomes “0”, the deferred symbols are derived and displayed in the special figure game subject to the hold notice, and the hold change is made. The plurality of hold displays whose display modes have been changed by the display are returned to the normal hold display mode (step S294). Thus, for example, as shown in FIG. 14 (E), in the special figure game that is the subject of the pending notice, the confirmed symbol becomes a big hit combination, so that the pachinko gaming machine 1 becomes the big hit gaming state and the special variable winning ball apparatus 7 The opening / closing plate is opened for a certain time or until a certain number of game balls are won, and the opening / closing is repeated for a certain cycle.

  When the variable display pattern designated by the variable display start command from the main board 11 is the variable display pattern for jackpot after the hold notice by the hold change display is started (step S267; Yes), the current hold is held. It is determined whether or not there is a combination of hold display having a higher jackpot reliability than the combination of a plurality of hold displays whose display mode is changed by the change display (step S269). For example, as shown in FIG. 12, the jackpot reliability of the hold display mode by the combination of the hold storage information 42d indicating “handgun” and the hold storage information 42c indicating “bullet” as shown in FIG. 1/10. At this time, there is a combination of “bomb” and “lighter” having a higher hit reliability of 4/7.

  Then, when there is a combination of hold display with a higher jackpot reliability (step S269; Yes), the display is switched to a combination of hold display with a higher jackpot reliability at a predetermined ratio (step S272). For example, FIG. ), The storage information 42a indicating “bomb” and the storage information 42b indicating “writer” are displayed. Thus, when the display result in the special figure game subject to the hold notice becomes a big hit, the big hit reliability is determined from the combination of the hold indication selected when the hold notice by the hold change display is determined. Can be changed to a combination of higher hold indications.

  When the special figure game that is subject to the hold notice is executed and the hold change display is terminated, for example, various effects related to the display mode in the hold change display are performed as the reach effect display in the special figure game. Also good. For example, the CGROM 116 executes reach effect display in a different display mode by the variable display device 4 according to the variable display pattern specified by the variable display start command from the main board 11 and the display mode in the hold change display. For this purpose, a plurality of types of image data are stored in advance. When the CPU 112 determines that the start condition of the special figure game subject to the hold notice is satisfied, the CPU 112 stores the image data corresponding to the variable display pattern designated by the variable display start command and the display mode in the hold change display. A read command is transmitted to the VDP 115. The VDP 115 reads out the image data specified by the instruction from the CPU 112 from the CGROM 116 and executes a predetermined decoding process, etc., thereby performing reach effect display by the variable display device 4 in a display mode based on the read image data. Execute. As a result, when the hold change display ends, the special game in which the start condition is satisfied is determined to be a big hit, or the combination of a plurality of hold displays whose display modes are changed. It is possible to vary the production mode in the figure game.

  As an example, as shown in FIG. 16A, when hold storage information 42a indicating “bomb” and hold storage information 42b indicating “writer” are displayed as the hold change display, A series of image display until a bomb explodes as shown in 16 (B) and (C) is performed. That is, in the special symbol game subject to the hold notice, the same special symbol is derived and displayed in the order of the special symbol (left symbol) in the left variable display area 41a and the special symbol (right symbol) in the right variable display area 41c. The reach display state is established. At this time, variable display is performed for the special symbol (medium symbol) in the middle variable display region 41b.

  When the reach display state is set in this way, for example, as shown in FIG. 16B, the left, middle, and right symbols are reduced and displayed, and a reach effect display is displayed in the display area formed by the reduced display. A predetermined image is displayed. Thereafter, when an image indicating the end of the reach effect display as shown in FIG. 16C is displayed, the display mode of each of the left, middle and right symbols which have been reduced is returned to the original state, and FIG. As shown in D), a definite symbol is derived and displayed.

  As another example, as shown in FIG. 16E, when the hold storage information 42d indicating “handgun” and the hold storage information 42c indicating “bullet” are displayed as the hold change display, For example, a series of image display until a symbol as shown in FIGS. That is, an image of loading a bullet into a handgun as shown in FIG. 16F, an image of firing a bullet from a handgun as shown in FIG. 16G, and a middle symbol as shown in FIG. The images that are shot down are switched and displayed sequentially. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 16 (I), a fixed symbol is derived and displayed.

  In this manner, for example, data indicating a plurality of types of reach effect display patterns is stored in the CGROM 116 or the like, and a combination of a plurality of hold displays changed in step S263 or a plurality of hold displays switched in step S272. One of a plurality of types of reach effect display patterns may be selected by the CPU 112 or the like corresponding to the combination, and the reach effect display according to the selected reach effect display pattern may be executed by the VDP 115 or the like.

  As described above, according to this embodiment, when it is determined in step S253 in FIG. 10 that there are a plurality of reserved memory numbers of the special figure game, a reservation notice is displayed by a hold change display in step S259. Is determined, the display mode of the plurality of hold displays is changed in step S263. At this time, when the variable display result in the special figure game when the hold notice ends is a big hit as the special figure game subject to the hold notice, for example, a combination of “handgun” and “bullet” or “bomb” A combination of specific hold indications, such as the combination of “writer” and “writer”, appears at a higher rate than when it is lost. By changing the display mode of the hold display by such a hold change display, the player can determine whether the variable display result is a big hit in the special game with the start condition established or the special game with the hold stored. It becomes difficult to recognize. For this reason, a player's expectation with respect to the variable display result in each special figure game can be enhanced.

  In addition, since it is determined whether or not to hold the hold notice by the hold change display only when there are a plurality of special figure games stored on hold, a player who wants to see the hold change display The hitting operation handle is continuously operated so that the period in which the number of stored special game numbers is plural becomes longer. Thereby, it is possible to prevent “stopping” due to the stop of the operation of the hitting ball operating handle and to prevent the operating rate of the gaming machine from being lowered.

  When it is determined in step S252 in FIG. 10 that the hold notice is being performed, it is not determined whether or not the hold notice is executed in step S259. That is, after the hold notice by the hold change display is started, the hold change display is repeatedly displayed in the period until the display result of the big hit (or losing) is derived and displayed in the special figure game subject to the hold notice. It is prevented that the determination as to whether or not to execute the hold notice is performed. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the hold notice due to the hold change display from being duplicated, and to reduce the processing burden for determining whether or not to execute the hold notice.

  Further, in steps S294 and S298 in FIG. 13, the display mode of the hold display changed by the hold change display or the like is returned to the normal display mode. Can also prevent the display mode of the hold display from being changed, and prevent the player from having the extra expectation as if the game is a big hit after the big hit. Can do.

  In the start hold memory determination process of FIG. 7, when it is determined in step S202 that the number of hold memories of the special figure game is plural, the special figure game that satisfies the start condition and the special figure hold It is determined whether or not there is a special display game that is stored on hold in the storage area for which the variable display result is a big hit. As a result, when it is clear that the hold notice by the hold change display is not performed, it is possible to prevent the determination whether there is a special game whose variable display result is a big hit from being performed wastefully. Can reduce the burden of control.

  When it is determined in step S251 in FIG. 10 that the state is a high probability state by probability variation control, it is not determined whether or not to execute the hold notice in step S259. That is, when the player's expectation that the variable display result in the special figure game will be a big hit due to the high probability state is increased, it is determined whether or not to execute the hold notice by the hold change display. It is prevented from being done. Thereby, the burden of control in a high probability state can be reduced.

  When it is determined in step S252 in FIG. 10 that a hold notice has been made, there is a combination of hold display with a higher jackpot reliability than the combination of hold display whose display mode is currently changed in step S269. When it is determined that, the switch display is performed in step S272 as a combination of the hold display with a high jackpot reliability. Thereby, a player's expectation with respect to the display mode of the hold display can be enhanced.

  Further, the CPU 103 mounted on the main board 11 executes the command control process of step S17 shown in FIG. 5 and the start-time hold memory determination process shown in FIG. 7, and the CPU 112 mounted on the display control board 12 The command reception process shown in FIG. 8, the hold notice setting process shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the hold notice end process shown in FIG. 13, etc. are executed. In this manner, the main board 11 is divided and executed by the main board 11 that is the main-side control board and the display control board 12 that is the sub-side control board, whereby the main board 11 is executed. It is possible to prevent the control burden from increasing.

  When it is determined in step S259 in FIG. 10 that the hold notice is not to be executed, if it is determined in step S275 that the display mode of the hold display is to be changed, the hold storage number display unit 42 of the variable display device 4 is determined in step S276. The display mode is changed for one hold display at. Thereafter, when it is determined in step S256 in FIG. 10 that there is a new winning ball, and it is determined in step S259 that the hold notice is to be executed, the hold is made based on the display mode of the hold display in step S262. The combination of the hold display when the change display is performed is selected. Thus, by changing the display mode of the hold display step by step, the player's expectation can be improved. In addition, it is possible to prevent a plurality of hold display display modes from being changed at once and to make a hold notice, and to relieve a sense of discomfort when the hold display display mode is changed.

  The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications and applications are possible. For example, in the embodiment described above, when changing the display mode of a plurality of hold displays as the hold change display, one of the combinations of the two hold displays is selected and switched and displayed. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the display mode of more (for example, three) hold displays may be changed. In other words, the hold notice by the hold change display only needs to change the display mode for a plurality of hold displays.

  Further, when the display mode of the hold display is changed when the hold notice by the hold change display is not performed, the display mode of the hold display is not limited to the change of the display mode of one hold display, and more (for example, two) hold displays. You may make it change a display mode about. That is, it is only necessary to change the display mode of at least one hold display.

  In the embodiment described above, the variable display device 4 is provided with the reserved memory number display unit 42 in order to perform the hold display indicating the stored number of the special figure game stored in the hold. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, apart from the variable display device 4 that performs variable display of special symbols in the special figure game, a hold memory display that displays the number of reserved memories of the special figure game may be provided. In this case, when the hold notice is made by the hold change display, the display mode of the plurality of hold displays in the hold storage display is changed, and the change of the hold display form different from the hold change display is performed in the hold storage display. The display mode of at least one hold display may be changed.

  In the above embodiment, when it is determined in step S267 that the variable display pattern designated by the variable display start command is a variable display pattern for big hits, the hold display in the hold notice is made in step S271. Whether to change the display mode is determined. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is determined whether or not to change the display mode of the hold display every time the start condition of the special figure game is satisfied after the hold change display is started. It may be. In this case, a plurality of types of notice change determination tables are stored in advance in the ROM 113 in accordance with whether the variable display result in the special figure game subject to the hold notice becomes a big hit or a lost game. The value of the random number for determining the notice change assigned to the determination result indicating that the display mode of the hold display is changed may be different between the case of becoming a loss and the case of becoming a loss. For example, in the table in the case of a big hit, a special game that is subject to a hold notice by associating more random values with the determination result that the display mode of the hold display is changed than in the table in the case of a lose When the variable display result in is a big hit, it is changed to a hold display combination with a higher big hit reliability at a higher rate than displaying the hold display combination currently displayed as it is. Further, every time the start condition of the special figure game is established after the hold notice is started, it is determined whether or not the display mode of the hold display is changed. Therefore, the combination of the hold display displayed in step S263 is used. The display mode of the hold display in the hold notice can be changed a plurality of times so that the combination of the hold display having a high jackpot reliability is displayed step by step.

  In the above-described embodiment, it has been described that the display mode of one hold display can be changed in step S276 only when it is determined in step S259 that the hold notice is not executed. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the display mode of the hold display is changed in a manner different from the hold notice if at least one special figure game is held and stored when the hold notice is not performed. You may be able to do it. For example, when it is determined in step S253 shown in FIG. 10 that the number of reserved memories is not plural, it is determined whether the number of reserved memories is “1” and the number of reserved memories is “1”. ”, The process proceeds to step S273. On the other hand, when the number of reserved memories is “0”, the reservation notice setting process is ended as it is. As a result, it is determined whether or not the special figure game is held and stored when the hold notice is not performed by the hold change display. When it is determined that the special game is held and stored, at least one hold display is displayed. Whether or not to change the display mode can be determined.

  Moreover, although the said embodiment demonstrated as a thing carrying out a pending notice only by the pending | holding change display which changes the display mode of the pending | holding display in the pending | holding memory number display part 42 of the variable display apparatus 4, it is not limited to this. For example, sound output from the speakers 8L and 8R under the control of the sound control board, lighting or blinking of the warning lamp included in the game effect lamp 9 performed under the control of the lamp control board, and further from the movable member Any of the actions of the actors and the like may be combined with the hold change display to notify that there is a possibility that the variable display result in the special figure game may be a big hit.

  The apparatus configuration shown in FIG. 1, the block configuration shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the data configuration in the command shown in FIG. 3, the flowchart configurations shown in FIGS. 5 to 11 and 13, etc. do not depart from the spirit of the present invention. Changes and modifications can be arbitrarily made within the range. Further, the display modes shown in FIG. 14 to FIG. 16 are shown as an example, and there is a notice that the variable display result in the special game may become a big hit by changing the display mode of the hold display. As long as it is possible, it may be changed arbitrarily. Furthermore, the selection probability and the jackpot reliability shown in FIG. 12 are also shown as an example, and may be arbitrarily changed according to a combination pattern of a reserved display prepared in advance.

  In addition, the present invention is not limited to a payout type gaming machine that pays out a predetermined number of prize balls in response to detection of winning balls, and encloses game balls and gives points in response to detection of winning balls. It can also be applied to an enclosed game machine. Furthermore, the present invention can be applied to a game machine that simulates the operation of the pachinko gaming machine 1. The program and data for realizing the present invention are not limited to a form distributed and provided on a computer device or the like by a detachable recording medium, but preinstalled in a storage device such as a computer device or the like in advance. You may take the form distributed by keeping it. Further, the program and data for realizing the present invention are distributed by downloading from other devices on a network connected via a communication line or the like by providing a communication processing unit. It doesn't matter.

  The game execution mode is not only executed by attaching a removable recording medium, but can also be executed by temporarily storing the downloaded program and data through a communication line or the like in an internal memory or the like. It is also possible to execute directly using hardware resources on the other device side on a network connected via a communication line or the like. Furthermore, the game can be executed by exchanging data with other computer devices or the like via a network.

It is a front view of the pachinko gaming machine in the embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the main board | substrate, a display control board, etc. which were mounted in the pachinko gaming machine. It is a figure which shows the example of a data structure in a start special figure memory | storage information command. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the hardware constitutions in a display control board. It is a flowchart which shows a game control interruption process. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol process process. It is a flowchart which shows a pending | holding memory | storage determination process at the time of a start. It is a flowchart which shows a command reception process. It is a flowchart which shows a display control process process. It is a flowchart which shows a pending | holding advance notice setting process. It is a flowchart which shows a pending | holding advance notice setting process. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the selection probability and jackpot reliability of the combination of a hold display. It is a flowchart which shows a holding | maintenance notice end process. It is a figure which shows an example of the display operation in a variable display apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of the display operation in a variable display apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of the display operation in a variable display apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Pachinko machine 2 ... Game board 3 ... Gaming machine frame 4 ... Variable display device 6 ... Normal variable winning ball device 7 ... Special variable winning ball device 8L, 8R ... Speaker 9 ... Game effect lamp 11 ... Main board 12 ... Display control board 40 ... Normal symbol display 70 ... Each prize opening switch 100 ... Microcomputer 101, 113 for game control ROM
102, 114 ... RAM
103, 112 ... CPU
104 ... I / O port 107 ... Switch circuit 110 ... Oscillator circuit 111 ... Reset circuit 115 ... VDP
116 ... CGROM
117 ... VRAM

Claims (8)

Based on the fact that the variable display start condition is satisfied after the variable display execution condition is satisfied, a variable display device that variably displays a plurality of types of identification information that can each be identified is provided, and the display result of the identification information is predetermined. A gaming machine that controls a specific gaming state advantageous to the player when a specific display result is obtained,
A holding storage means for holding and storing variable display execution that does not satisfy the variable display start condition even if the variable display execution condition is satisfied, until the storage number reaches a predetermined upper limit;
A hold display control means for performing control to display the storage number of the variable display held by the hold storage means as a hold display;
When the variable display start condition is satisfied, either the variable display in which the variable display start condition is satisfied, or the variable display that is held and stored by the hold storage unit, the display result of the identification information Pre-determining means for determining whether or not there is a specific display result;
When the variable display start condition is satisfied, it is determined whether or not there are a plurality of variable display storages that are stored on hold by the hold storage unit and that still do not satisfy the variable display start condition. Memory number determination means;
When it is determined by the storage number determination means that there are a plurality of variable display storage numbers, a hold change display for changing the display mode of the hold display from a predetermined display mode to a specific display mode is executed. Change display determination means for determining whether or not,
The hold display control means includes
A holding combination pattern storing means for storing a plurality of types of data indicating combination patterns of display modes of a plurality of holding displays;
A plurality of types of combination patterns stored in the hold combination pattern storage means based on the result of the determination by the prior determination means when the change display determination means determines to execute the hold change display Hold display pattern selection means for selecting one of the data indicating
The hold change display includes a hold change display execution unit that changes a display mode of a plurality of hold displays according to data indicating a combination pattern selected by the hold display pattern selection unit,
The hold display pattern selection means indicates that there is no variable display as the specific display result by the prior determination means when it is determined by the prior determination means that there is a variable display as the specific display result. Selecting a specific combination pattern of the pending display from among the plurality of types of combination patterns of the pending display at a higher rate than when the determination is made,
A gaming machine characterized by that. The change display determination means is in a period from the determination to execute the hold change display to the end of the execution of variable display in which the prior determination means determines that the specific display result is obtained. , Does not determine whether to execute the hold change display,
The gaming machine according to claim 1. When the specific display result is derived and displayed after the hold change display is executed by the hold change display executing means, the hold display control means is changed to a specific display mode in the hold change display. Display mode return means for returning the display mode of the hold display to a predetermined display mode when the hold change display is not executed,
The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that. The prior determination means has a variable display in which the display result of the identification information becomes the specific display result when the storage number determination means determines that there are a plurality of variable display storage numbers. Determine whether or not
The gaming machine according to claim 1, 2, or 3. The change display determination means does not determine whether to execute the hold change display in a period in which the probability of the specific display result is controlled to a high probability state higher than that in the normal gaming state,
The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The hold display control means includes
After the hold change display is executed by the hold change display execution means, a combination pattern of a plurality of hold displays changed to a specific display mode in the hold change display when the variable display start condition is satisfied. A combination pattern changing means for further changing;
Change pattern selection means for selecting any one of the data indicating a plurality of types of combination patterns stored in the hold combination pattern storage means as data indicating the combination pattern of the hold display to be changed and displayed by the combination pattern change means Including
The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: Game control means for controlling the progress of the game, including the prior determination means;
Including the hold display control means and the change display determination means, and includes an effect control means for controlling an effect means for executing a game effect based on a control signal from the game control means,
The game control means includes a signal transmission means for transmitting a control signal for controlling an effect by the effect means according to a result of determination by the prior determination means,
The production control means includes signal receiving means for receiving a control signal transmitted from the game control means,
The signal transmission unit has a function of transmitting a hold determination control signal for specifying a result of determination as to whether or not there is a variable display as the specific display result by the prior determination unit,
The change display determination means determines whether to execute the hold change display based on the hold determination control signal received by the signal receiving means,
The hold display pattern selection unit is configured to store the hold combination pattern storage unit based on a hold control signal received by the signal receiving unit when the change display determination unit determines to execute the hold change display. Select one of the data indicating the combination patterns of multiple types stored in
The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: At least when it is determined by the change display determination means that the pending change display is not executed, or when it is determined by the storage number determination means that there are not a plurality of variable display storage numbers, Comprising a prior change display determination means for determining whether or not to change the display mode of one hold display;
The hold display control means includes advance hold display change means for changing the display form of at least one hold display when it is determined by the prior change display determination means that the display form of the hold display is changed. ,
The hold display pattern selection means satisfies the variable display execution condition after the display state of at least one hold display is changed by the advance hold display change means, and the change display determination means displays the hold change display. When a determination to execute is made, based on the display mode of the hold display changed by the advance hold display change unit, the combination pattern of the hold display is selected.
The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that:

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